Mukono District politics has taken a dramatic spiritual twist after District LC5 Chairperson Francis Lukooya Mukoome publicly declared that he has abandoned witchcraft practices and surrendered his life to Christ.
For years, Lukooya’s name had been surrounded by whispers of mysticism and alleged connections to traditional shrines, claims that became part of Mukono’s political folklore.
During his earlier term as district chairperson, critics and political rivals often accused him of relying on witchdoctors for political protection and influence.
At one point, reports circulated that traditional spiritualists had allegedly been invited to conduct rituals and dedication ceremonies at the district headquarters, a move that sparked controversy among sections of the public and religious leaders.
Even after he lost the district seat in the previous political cycle, rumours persisted that the veteran politician continued operating a shrine at one of his properties, with some residents claiming the place attracted individuals seeking spiritual intervention and political fortunes.
But in what many now describe as a startling transformation, Lukooya has re-emerged preaching faith in God and openly distancing himself from his controversial past.
Since reclaiming the LC5 seat, he has repeatedly used public gatherings, church events, and political meetings to testify about what he calls his spiritual rebirth.
“It is only God who helps us. Once you turn politics into anything else, you lose the battle,” Lukooya said during one of his recent public appearances.
He added, “You cannot win political battles just like that. This time I clung to Jesus. For three years now, whoever wishes to send me harmful things, go ahead. I am now for Jesus. I dropped everything at Namaliga. Now I am for Jesus,” he declared emotionally before cheering supporters.
His remarks have triggered intense debate across Mukono, with some residents welcoming what they describe as a courageous confession, while others remain sceptical, questioning whether the conversion is genuine or politically calculated.
The dramatic shift comes at a politically sensitive moment for the district chairperson.
Although Lukooya was declared winner of the LC5 race and later sworn into office, his victory remains clouded by controversy.
His political rival, Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga, has mounted a legal challenge, claiming the election was manipulated and that victory was stolen from him under unclear circumstances.
The ongoing court battle threatens to reopen political divisions in the district even as Lukooya attempts to project himself as a transformed leader guided by faith rather than fear.
Political observers say the situation has created an unusual mix of religion, power, controversy, and survival in Mukono’s already tense political landscape.
For now, supporters see a man who has turned away from shrines and embraced salvation. Critics, however, argue that only time will reveal whether Lukooya has truly abandoned the shadows of his past.
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